COURSE DESCRIPTION
This French immersion course designed so students with varying levels of French proficiency will improve their level of comprehension and speaking in addition to gaining an exposure and appreciation of the culture of the French West Indies, particularly Guadeloupe. In addition to formal language instruction, students will experience different aspects of the French West Indies through history lessons, various cultural workshops, an oral history project, a week living with a local family in the town of Sainte Anne and participating in community service work with local youth.
“The combination of cultural and language immersion plus a loving host family created a truly unforgettable experience.” — Susan Strauss, Seattle, WA
COURSE OBJECTIVES
- The main objective of course is for students to improve their French listening, reading, writing and speaking skills through formal and experiential learning.
- The course is designed for students with varying levels of French language experience and proficiency; the specific objectives for each language level are different.
- Grammar, vocabulary and cultural topics will be covered through written and oral assignments and discussions.
- Exposure to French Creole culture will be developed through discussions, workshops, lectures, home stays and cultural exchange activities.
- Social interaction in French and use of the language for completion of daily tasks will be fostered during the student’s home stays.
LECTURE TOPICS
- This course is designed for students with varying degrees of French language experience.
- At the beginning of the formal language instruction, the students will be tested on their French proficiency and will be placed into the appropriate level out of the six levels offered: Elementary French 1 & 2; Intermediate French 1 & 2; Advanced French 1 & 2.
- Formal language instruction will develop elements of the French language, such as grammatical structures, verb use and tenses, vocabulary, expression and cultural aspects of communication.
FIELD STUDIES & EXERCISES
- Exploration of French West Indian and Creole Culture through traditional dance, music and cooking workshops
- Local artisan and traditional handicraft workshop
- Basic study of caribbean island ecology through kayaking and hiking excusions
- Cultural discussion examining basic caribbean history and Guadeloupe's unique culture and race relations
- Completion of an Oral History project, detailing the life history of a member of the student’s homestay family
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